Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage praised his team’s effort despite their 2-1 loss to York City at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.
“It was a strong away display against a side that is likely to win the league—either York City or Rochdale,” Savage commented. “The fans showed great support at the final whistle, and although some want to see victories every week, the lads gave everything on the pitch. They were absolutely exhausted, and that’s all I can ask for.”
Savage pointed to two critical mistakes that cost his side the game. “We lost because of two poor moments. However, I felt more down after last week’s defeat to Wealdstone than today. Overall, the performance was good, but another away loss is disappointing.”
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The hosts took the lead inside the first 20 minutes when Alex Hunt converted a penalty after Forest Green’s new loan signing, 18-year-old Reading right-back Ashqar Ahmed, fouled Jeff King inside the box.
“We controlled the game well before their goal and kept them pinned back, but Ashqar made a poor decision. It’s a penalty, and I accept that,” Savage acknowledged.
Hunt was again influential just before halftime, delivering a long ball that set up Joe Grey. York City quickly turned it into a two-on-one attack, with Grey assisting Pearce, who scored to double the home side’s advantage.
“That second goal was unacceptable—a simple ball over the top led to a goal at a very bad time in the game,” said Savage. “They took their chances, and we didn’t.”
Forest Green rallied in the second half after tactical changes moved McAllister into an attacking midfield role. Elijah Morrison found McAllister, whose scuffed shot somehow found the corner of the net, pulling a goal back for the visitors.
“We made good changes in the second half and importantly got a goal. However, York could have scored again in the first half. Our target now is to finish third or fourth, with York and Rochdale set to occupy the top two spots.”
Match Details:
York City: Male; King (Fallowfield 81), Williams, Johnson, Kitching, Brookes; Grey (Stones 71), Hunt (Batty 81), Boateng, Olley (Newby 20); Pearce (Banks 81). Subs not used: Sykes-Kenworthy, Howe.
Forest Green Rovers: Isted; Ahmed (Mitchell 75), Mendy, Kircough (Babalola 88), Buyabu; Nwoko, Campbell (Bunker 88); McAllister, Haughton (Knowles 53), Clarke (Morrison 53); Rees. Subs not used: Pagel, Kanu.
Referee: Martin Coy
Attendance: 6,866 (220 away)